Meet the people behind the numbers.
With Grimbleby Coleman since 2007
After serving 3 years in the U.S. Army, Finance Corp., Dave attended the University of San Francisco graduating with a BS in Accounting.
Dave became a Principal at Grimbleby Coleman when his practice, Dunker & Aced, merged in 2008. Dave splits his time between helping Dunker & Aced clients transition into Grimbleby Coleman and new business development.
Over the years, Dave has enjoyed “getting to know clients as people, sharing their highs and lows, and knowing that you had a part in their planning and successes in their business and life.”
Despite his busy schedule as Principal in the firm, Dave stays involved—to say the least—in outside interests. He currently is treasurer of the Monsignor Wm Kennedy Education Foundation, president of Oakdale Rotary Foundation, and serves on the finance committee of the Tuolumne River Trust and is treasurer of the Oakdale Golf & Country Club board of directors.
Abraham Lincoln is an inspiration for Dave because “he had tremendous moral courage and could recognize talent in people.” His wife is “famous in my eyes. She has encouraged and helped me to attain the success that we share today. Yes, very famous in my eyes.”
Dave loves the outdoors. In June, you’ll find him on the golf course; in August, fishing in Montana; and in October, duck hunting.
Dave’s favorite number is 7. “I'm not sure why, but when we go through Nevada, three 7's all lined up in a row usually bring a few coins.”
With Grimbleby Coleman since 2006
Although Lori’s official title is “Administrative Assistant”, she specializes in proofreading and all production work such as formatting financial statements, letters, and correspondence, as well as tax return assembly. In other words, Lori makes everything look good. And even though she works mostly with paper, she still gets to know the clients—and that’s what she likes: “Getting to know them, and putting a face with a name.”
When Lori gets out of the office, she heads to her four-legged friends. She works with both the Humane Society and the ASPCA.
Lori admires many different musical artists, but especially smooth jazz performers. She also enjoys a variety of sports. She and her husband attend a variety of musical and sporting events. But Lori’s admiration goes beyond the music and sports. “My husband - he is the greatest guy ever!”
On a Saturday in June, Lori will likely be doing something outdoors. In October, “hanging out at home, and in January—surprise, surprise!—watching football and other sports.”
Lori’s favorite number is 1118. “As it relates to my husband and my birthdays. When our kids were young, it seemed like every evening we got to sleep around 11:18. We almost always notice when it is 11:18, and make mention of it.”
With Grimbleby Coleman since 2010
Becky has been in accounting for 20 years and has held roles in both industry and public accounting. She divides her time between tax and accounting work at Grimbleby Coleman and enjoys problem-solving and "making clients feel comfortable about their tax returns and financial information."
In the evening you might find her teaching Bible Study Fellowship classes or trying to keep up with her children's activities. Becky says she admires Jesus for his perfect balance, Abraham Lincoln for freeing the slaves, and Meredith Viera for providing humor and clarity in the morning.
In the summertime, don't look for Becky to be indoors. You'll most likely find her somewhere in the sun. She might be beach camping, by the pool, or working in the yard. Once fall arrives, she'll be busy keeping up with her children's sports activities before retrenching in January to get ready for tax season.
When it comes to numbers, Becky is a symmetry fan. She says she likes "even numbers because no one is left out."
Deborah S. Baker, CPA
Client Service Manager
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With Grimbleby Coleman since 2005
Deborah is all about auditing. As a member of the audit team, most of her time is dedicated to reviewing financial statement projects and corporate tax engagements. But she also likes being with clients. “I enjoy having a relationship with clients and assisting them with their accounting processes and teaching them to track their information better.”
When she’s not in the auditing world, Deborah doesn’t stray too far from her roots: she volunteers at CSU Stanislaus as a tutor for accounting students.
Deborah admires Princess Diana and President Obama because “they stand up for something they believe in and try to elicit change.”
In June, Deborah will probably be at a family barbeque in the back yard. In October, she starts “shopping and planning for the upcoming holidays with my family.” (Now that’s planning!) In January, “You will find me at work on a Saturday.”
Deborah's favorite number is . . . all of them. “Because they are like puzzle pieces and fit together to create a story about a company.”
Lisa L. Blanke
Bookkeeper/Notary Public
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With Grimbleby Coleman since 2008
On a typical Saturday in June, you can find Lisa tending to her flower garden. In October, she might be getting ready for Halloween. In January ”catching up on all the movies she missed in June."
As a member of the support team at Grimbleby Coleman, Lisa enjoys being able to help clients feel at ease. She says, "Financial issues and worries can be stressful and confusing at times for many people.It's a good feeling to be able to use what skills I have to help ease those worries."
Linda Bossard, EA, USTCP
Sr. Client Service Manager/Notary Public
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With Grimbleby Coleman since 1994
As Client Service Manager, it only makes sense that Linda likes “listening, meeting with clients and being in a position to help with whatever their accounting needs may be.” She’s been working in accounting since 1980 and with us since 1994.
When she’s not helping clients, Linda serves as team captain for the company-sponsored Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society. She also actively participates in fundraising year-round for various local charities.
Linda admires Alton Brown, celebrity chef, because he’s “entertaining and explains cooking from the scientific point of view;” Maya Angelou, because “she’s a terrific writer, wise, honest and thought-provoking;” and Martha Beck (life coach and writer), because “her writing inspires me to get the most of life and to be a better person.”
Regardless of the season, Linda spends her Saturdays either “in my kitchen trying new recipes, or sewing something in my sewing room.”
See Linda's Numbers Behind Our People feature>
With Grimbleby Coleman since 2003
Jeff became a principal of the firm in 2010. His specialty is tax, and he thrives on finding and communicating ways for clients to pay as little as possible.
Jeff is a Modesto native, has an MBA, is a CPA, and is currently attending the Golden Gate University Master of Taxation program. Jeff enjoys “being able to explain a concept or communicate information that helps a client, and being able to learn from the experience of clients who are very successful at what they do.”
When he’s not helping clients or in school, Jeff is a member and past director of the CalCPA San Joaquin Chapter and a member of Old German Baptist Church. If it’s June, he’s outdoors—probably gardening, “BBQing,” or hiking in the High Sierras. In October, you’ll find him spending time with family and still spending time outside if the weather is nice. But in January … where else would he be but in the office? “It’s tax season!”
Jeff’s favorite number is 2000. “For the year that I got married, and also started my first public accounting job.”
Merinda Bratton
IT Systems Administrator
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With Grimbleby Coleman since 2008
Although she doesn’t spend much time directly with clients (“I tend to be a more internal player”), she says, “I love helping people with their computer, though. It means a lot to me to be able to help someone with something that can be so mysterious and unfamiliar to them.”
Merinda volunteers for a variety of causes, including the honor society at her school, Greyhound and German Shepherd rescue, and Relay for Life. She helped to update and design her church’s website.
Merinda admires her grandfather and her husband. Her grandfather “grew up very poor yet very determined to do something with himself. He became a vice president at Underwriters Laboratories, getting to travel all around the world, and earned a substantial income to support his family.” Her husband is a disabled veteran in his mid twenties. “He risked his life for ours, and every day he deals with the injuries he sustained. He never complains; he just goes on with his life.”
Merinda spends most of her weekends at home. “I love to work in the yard once it gets warm enough. I travel to visit family and volunteer with local organizations. It all depends on the weather.”
Merinda’s favorite number is 13. “Besides it being my birthday, I find it is a very lucky number for me.”
Merinda plays a critical role at Grimbleby Coleman: she keeps the computers up and running, and she ensures the security of all data and electronic client information. She’s been in computers for nearly a decade, so she knows her stuff.
Sue Brunnet, CPA
Client Service Manager
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With Grimbleby Coleman since 2007
Sue prepares individual and business tax returns, as well as trust and non-profit tax returns. She has been in the accounting business for over 20 years.
Sue enjoys interacting with clients because “I find that most people are friendly and kind, and often have interesting histories to share!” She is active at Big Valley Grace Community Church and participates in Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) and the PEO Sisterhood.
She admires “Ronald Reagan for his optimism, Bono for his altruism, and Harlan Cobin (writer) for his imagination (and great books).”
In October, you’ll find Sue outdoors enjoying the great California weather. But in January, she’s at the mall, shopping the after-Christmas sales.
With Grimbleby Coleman since 1999
In her role as Manager, Donae provides "quality service to clients, help with training of staff to enable them to grow" and assists the shareholders in the growth of the firm. She enjoys the personal relationships that develop and watching a business grow and sharing the experience with the clients.
Donae has found time to be a member of the Modesto 500 Lions Club for 19 years. In fact, she was one of the first five females to become a member of the club and in 1997 she became the first female president!
When asked what famous people she admires and why, she responded "Jim Poore, my dad, for the strong values and work ethic he has taught me." She also admires her husband, Scott Caravalho, "for the fortitude he displays at his job every day." And Donae also admires the partners at Grimbleby Coleman, "for having the talent to gather a group of very talented and driven people. 'Famous' is all in the eye of the beholder."
On a typical Saturday in June, you'll find Donae by the pool or working in the yard. The outdoors theme continues in October, when you'll find her in a pumpkin patch. In January, she enjoys baking in the kitchen.
Donae's favorite number is 7. "No specific reason--because it's odd!"
See Donae's Numbers Behind Our People feature>
With Grimbleby Coleman since 1989
As a Principal in Grimbleby Coleman, Jeff is a tax department "Partner"—a tax accounting resource for clients and staff and a tax planning and reporting expert.
Jeff received his BS in Agricultural and Managerial Economics, followed by a Masters in Taxation and a CPA. He has worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. and Pfanner & Tate Accountancy Corp.
What Jeff likes about working with his clients is “learning about what they do and how they do it. Also, the trust that you build with the client is rewarding.”
Outside of the firm, Jeff is treasurer for the Ag Science Center Foundation and works with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committees.
Jeff admires Lance Armstrong for “his determination to recover from cancer and excel in his field”; Abraham Lincoln for “his strength of conviction in his ideals and his leadership abilities”; and Mother Teresa for “her compassion and sense of purpose.”
In June, Jeff is likely to be on vacation with family. He’ll be at the kids' soccer games—and jogging with them, too—in October. And in January, he’ll be biking or with the family, before busy season starts.”
Jeff’s favorite number is 5. “Because it seems like all estimates are divisible by 5.”
With Grimbleby Coleman since 2006
Daniel performs audit work and prepares tax returns and financial statements for clients. He enjoys providing a high level of client service and "simply getting to know clients a little better each time".
He is a Youth Leader for the High School Ministry at First Baptist Church in Modesto. And he is also the Treasurer for Nancy Cline's campaign for Modesto City Schools Board of Education.
On any given Saturday in June, you might find Daniel at a Giant's game. In October, you might find him with his Dad on vacation in Arizona...playing a father-son baseball tournament. And when it's not baseball season, Daniel might spend a typical Saturday relaxing with family and friends.
Daniel's favorite number is 1954. "The year the Giants won their last World Series. Hopefully my new favorite number will be 2011 or 2012."
